The manager of a new boutique charity shop says volunteers have a crucial role to play in helping maximise its potential.
Lesley Williams-Frost has taken the reins at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Southwold, which officially opened last Thursday (17th October).
She has high hopes and believes it can become a “flagship” branch for the charity – with the help and support of a trusty team of volunteers.
Lesley has been appointed Southwold manager after joining EACH in February, running its Leiston shop.
Her number one priority is to establish a core team of volunteers, and she hopes others then come along as word spreads. A couple are joining her from Leiston, as they live midway between the Suffolk towns.
“The reality is we can’t do our jobs, or run our shops, without the support of volunteers,” said Lesley.
“They’re the lifeblood of our business and incredible people, who care deeply and share our vision.
“I always felt completely humbled by my volunteers at Leiston.
“Some came in three times a week, or they’d change their shift patterns to cover each other. Or they’d juggle things around to support me, if they knew I was alone in the shop.
“They’d often say ‘we do it for the children’, and I think that’s lovely.
“I love being around like-minded people, all striving to raise as much money as possible for our hospices.
“It’s going to be an exciting adventure, and I’m excited to get started.”
Before joining EACH, Lesley enjoyed a successful career, including a high-profile role with London-based contract catering company Sodexo Prestige, working at places like Kew Gardens and iconic sporting venues like Wimbledon and Lord’s.
Now, despite the very different environment, she says she has the charity shop “bug”.
“I couldn’t be happier to transfer my skills and draw on my experience in this way,” said the 59-year-old, who lives in Saxmundham.
“I have a much better work-life balance and feel privileged and honoured to have found my vocation in life.
“It’s certainly no walk in the park, and it’s a very busy, hectic working environment – but I love it and feel completely energised.
“I want to make this shop a flagship one in the EACH portfolio.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t reach the heady heights of some of our other stores.
“It’s got such great potential, and that will come with its challenges, but I’m never afraid to try new things and steer the ship in a different direction.
“One thing I’ve learnt is never be too proud to try new things and change things that aren’t working. It’s all about maximising the shop’s earning potential.”
EACH has a fast-growing retail operation, and there are volunteering opportunities to suit people’s skills and interests, from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay.
Other vital roles include being a key holder, listing and sending books and being a driver’s mate, heading out to distribute goods, including collecting and dropping off furniture.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@each.org.uk or call 01223 205183 (option four).
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH